History

The Howard County Preschool, Inc. was established in 1955 as the Ellicott City Kindercraft, Inc. by the Women's Civic Club. The school was originally established as a kindergarten because kindergarten did not exist in the public school system. When public kindergarten was instituted in the Howard County School System, the school changed its program to that of a preschool.

Through the years the school has occupied space at the Ellicott City Junior High School, Howard High School, Rockland Elementary School, Mt. Hebron Church, Mt. Hebron High School, and for 35 years in the Rockland United Methodist Church. After the 2001-2002 school year was completed, Howard Preschool relocated to its current location in the education wing of St. James United Methodist Church.

The school has continually strived to meet the needs of the community by expanding its programs. Today, it offers a three day program for four-year-olds, a two day program for three-year olds, and a two-day Enhancement Program for 4-year olds. Howard Preschool, Inc. is fully accredited by the Maryland State Department of Education. The "County" was dropped from the school name in 1993 because many people thought the school was part of the Howard County Public School System.

In 2005 the school celebrated its 50th Anniversary. Students and teachers from the past and present and other members of the local community helped us celebrate this important milestone. We look forward to educating young children in the community for years to come.

Mission

To prepare our students socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically for a smooth transition into kindergarten and further learning.

Philosophy

Howard Preschool, Inc. provides the opportunity for the preschooler to express himself as an individual in a group, to become involved in his own learning as well as in conjunction with others, discovering new areas of interest and new reasons for communication with his peers and adults. Before a child leaves, we hope that he will have acquired a love of learning and a pleased attitude toward self, resulting in his ability to successfully meet all later school experiences.

Objectives

Emotional Development

  1. Develop a good self-concept
  2. Instill self-confidence
  3. Help the child learn to express his emotions in acceptable outlets

Intellectual Development

  1. Develop listening skills
  2. Develop interest spans
  3. Develop language skills
  4. Develop interest and appreciation for music and literature
  5. Develop aesthetic values
  6. Stimulate environmental values
  7. Stimulate curiosity and powers of observation

Social Development

  1. Develop an acceptable behavior for peer play
  2. Encourage responsibility suitable for age
  3. Encourage development of healthy attitude toward others and their rights
  4. Encourage healthy attitude toward adult authority
  5. Develop good work habits

Physical Development

  1. To care for personal needs independently
  2. Help develop gross and fine motor skills
  3. Give good opportunity to develop visual perception
  4. Encourage to develop a healthy attitude toward body image
  5. To aid in the enjoyment of physical activity